Pretoria addresses plight of South Africans stuck in the Middle East
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – The Department of International Relations says evacuating South Africans stranded in the Middle East is “on hold” due to airspace closures.
Flights to and from countries that include the UAE, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain have been suspended following missile strikes.
Among those South Africans stranded are travellers who had lay-overs in Dubai and a group on pilgrimage to Mecca, who saw their flights cancelled at the last minute. Department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said, “potential evacuations are on hold until the airspace reopens”.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his call for intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and create space for continued meaningful negotiations.
“We urge the international community, including multilateral institutions and regional partners, to redouble efforts aimed at promoting mediation and peaceful resolution. As a nation that has emerged from conflict through dialogue and reconciliation, SA remains steadfast in its belief that peace is not only possible, but imperative for the shared future of the Middle East and the world,” President Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, SA Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan on Monday said he will have to hear FIFA’s stance on the war waged by the US on Iran before commenting on whether it compromises this year’s World Cup, to be hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. “No, I won’t comment. I want to first speak to FIFA,” Jordaan said, adding that the World Cup “is not ours … it’s a FIFA event”.
-0- PANA CU 3March2025
